FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOMEOWNERSHIP PROSPECTS AMONG BLACK AMERICANS
FOCUS OF REALTISTS® AT NATIONAL CONVENTION
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) to Convene Member Realtists, Advocates and Financial Services Executives in Baltimore, MD to Discuss Homeownership Strategies and Solutions
Washington, DC (July 7, 2014) — More than 700 real estate professionals, financial service executives, housing counselors and policymakers will meet in Baltimore, MD, July 27 to 30, 2014 at the 67th Annual National Convention organized by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Convening under the banner Homeownership…Priority #1, NAREB leadership is urging the continuance of focused discussion and solutions-based strategies to address the significant drop in homeownership and the decrease in net worth among African Americans. These were just a few of the findings in the State of Housing in Black America, a report issued by NAREB in September 2013.
“Although the overall economy is improving, African Americans continue to lag far behind those of other demographic groups when it comes to employment, homeownership and net worth. During this most recent recession, African Americans experienced unbelievable loss of jobs thereby causing many of them to lose their homes,” said Donnell Spivey, president of NAREB, the nation’s oldest minority real estate trade group. “To ensure that this does not ever happen again, we are more aggressively advocating for policies and programs that provide affordable and sustainable homeownership options for African Americans,” added Spivey.
The convention’s theme is reflected in the line-up of speakers, presentations and site visits. Among the many presenters are: Ron Busby, president, U. S. Black Chambers of Commerce; Phillip Bracken, chief policy officer for Radian Guaranty Inc., the mortgage insurance (MI) subsidiary of Radian Group Inc.; Honorable Catherine E. Pugh, MD State Senator and past chair of the MD Legislative Black Caucus; former congressman and NAACP president, the Honorable Kweisi Mfume, and Freddie Mac senior executive, Anthony Hutchinson.
This year’s convention also offers Realtists professional development training sessions designed to keep the membership current on legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives along with best real estate industry practices. “NAREB’s goal is to ensure that our Realtist members serve their clients and their communities with integrity, accuracy and efficiency. Special attention is focused on educating first-time homebuyers and other underserved clients with accurate information to help them make informed decisions about the biggest expenditure of their lives. We see Realtists as guardians of the communities they serve,” Spivey stated.
Convention attendees can choose from a line-up of sessions and presentations that cover latest real estate industry trends and best practices; new mortgage products for homebuyers, communication and social media innovations, legislative initiatives and policy guidelines affecting homeownership among first-time and moderate income buyers, and an exhibit hall featuring some of the nation’s top financial and real estate suppliers. NAREB’s 67th Annual Convention also includes a Youth Academy to educate young attendees about the value of wealth accumulation, planning for college, and good money management practices.
For more information about the 67th Annual NAREB Convention to register, or to download a copy of the State of Housing in Black America visit www.nareb.com.
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The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) was formed in 1947 out of a need to secure the right to equal housing opportunities, regardless of race, creed or color. Since its inception, NAREB has participated in and promoted meaningful challenges and supported legislative initiatives to ensure fair housing for all Americans. Today, NAREB has chapters in 33 states. For more information, visit the website at: www.nareb.com.
Contact: Joanne Williams · 215-519-2831